Now renowned for chic womenswear as well as luxury leather handbags that are often recognized for their iconic gold-tone fastening and hardware, French fashion house Celine got its start in children’s shoes.
In 1945, Céline Vipiana and her husband, Richard, opened a made-to-measure shoe shop for children at 52 rue de Malte in Paris. Designer Céline’s name graced the business, alongside a red elephant designed by French cartoonist Raymond Peynet that served as the company’s first logo.
In 1967, following an expansion into women’s shoes and leather accessories, the Vipianas decided to expand their company’s reach into women’s ready-to-wear, focusing on high-end sportswear. Céline Vipiana, who remained chief designer until her death in 1997, would oversee a range of fashion that would reach an international audience with a pared-down elegance and timeless style.
The company quickly achieved widespread success with its new offerings, most notably its trench coat, which became a staple for the brand. In the 1970s, they expanded outside Paris with boutiques in Monte Carlo, Beverly Hills and Hong Kong. In 1973, Céline Vipiana, inspired by chain links around the Arc de Triomphe, debuted the Blazon Chaîne motif of interlocking C’s. She began using it on a printed canvas and branding as well as accents on accessories, such as the Triomphe bag.
Vipiana’s designs were created to appeal as everyday fashion: Celine skirts, suits, fitted shirts, vests and coats were stylish but rooted in practicality. Quality, too, was paramount; Vipiana’s determination to deliver the best possible leather led to the opening of a studio in Florence, where the brand created its leather goods.
Vipiana died a year after her brand was acquired by Bernard Arnault’s luxury conglomerate LVMH for about $540 million. American designer Michael Kors then took the helm as creative director. Kors, too, was known for practical but chic ready-to-wear. He introduced such luxury staples as cashmere sets, smartly tailored pants and simple slip dresses, plus themed collections around jet-setter locales like Monte Carlo and Tahiti. Following Kors’s departure in 2004, onetime Burberry designer Roberto Menichetti took the job for just a year. He was followed by designer Phoebe Philo, the young British designer who is now credited with establishing Celine’s 21st-century style.
Philo created a distinct, minimal style that channeled the brand’s roots of practical simplicity with luxury materials. (“I just thought I’d clean it up,” she quipped of her debut collection in 2010.) Over the course of ten years, Philo turned the company into a beloved fixture of the fashion industry. In 2018, after Philo’s departure, the house tapped Hedi Slimane, former creative director of Yves Saint Laurent, as its new leader; he caused a stir when he famously removed the accent from the brand name. Controversial though it was, Slimane maintained it was a return to the label’s roots: an exercise in strong simplicity.
Find vintage Celine day dresses, handbags and other items on 1stDibs.
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rare OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo Manchette gold tone watch link wide bracelet
By Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo Manchette gold tone watch link wide bracelet Reference: TGAS/E00720 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Material: Metal Color: Gold Pattern: Solid Closu...
Celine Logo Link Bracelet
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Celine articulated ribbed panel bracelet of 18 kt gilded metal with alternating panels marked Celine. Signed "Celine". Length 7.5" x Width .75". 1980's France. Excellent condition.
Gilt Metal
Celine 1990s Gold-tone Triomphe Planet Link Charm Bracelet
By Celine
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Condition: VERY GOOD Bracelet remains shiny with deep yellow gold plating. Note that the item is not new, minor scratches here and there expected when closely inspected. Minimal dis...
Gold Plate
Hermes Kelly Bracelet Small Model Diamond in 18k Rose Gold ST
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a chic and instantly recognizable Hermes Kelly Bracelet Small Model. Iconic bracelet with turn clasp featured in 18...
Diamond, Rose Gold
22 Karat Gold Handmade Link Bracelet with Brilliant Cut Diamond Charms
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22ct gold hand made link bracelet set with brilliant cut diamond charms Handmade in Notting Hill London by renowned British jeweller Malcolm Betts. 1.10cts approximate total diamon...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Vintage Aquamarine Diamond Onyx Mauboussin Earrings Necklace Bracelet Suite
By Mauboussin
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional one-of-a-kind aquamarine diamond and black onyx suite attributed to Mauboussin Paris and set in 18 karat yellow gold. This impressive suite consists of a necklace, bracelet, and earrings and is a vintage creation dating to 1980s. It is emblematic of the bold French high-jewelry glamour of that era. Large aquamarines highlight each individual piece in the suite and feature an ever-elegant emerald-step-cut. The aquamarines display a rich and lively blue color that lights up beautifully as the pieces are worn. They are also characterized by very fine clarity. Vivid aquamarine gemstones float on top of oval 18 karat yellow gold base which is masterfully inlaid with black onyx and encrusted with sparkling fine white diamonds. The necklace and bracelet also feature elegant large oval gold links, surface of which is embellished with decorative ridges, and diamond set short links joining them. Diamonds total approximately 10.5 carats altogether. The juxtaposition of vivid blue aquamarines against elegant black onyx and sumptuous frames of glittering diamonds and luminous yellow gold setting create an incredibly sophisticated and chic statement jewelry. The pieces are in excellent condition and bear French hallmarks of the period including a maker’s mark for Péry & Fils which was one of the main jewelry makers for Mauboussin Paris. For further details please see summary below as well as individual listings for each of these pieces in our 1stdibs store. Suite pricing offers an attractive discount compared to buying each of the pieces individually. Summary: - Vintage suite dating to 1980s masterfully combines large blue aquamarines, elegant black onyx, white diamonds and 18 karate yellow gold into a bold and chic design that makes for high-statement jewelry - Featuring large vivid blue aquamarines of emerald-step-cut and of very fine clarity. Aquamarines altogether weigh an impressive 76 carats (24 carats for the necklace/ 30 carats for the bracelet / 11 carats for each of the earrings) - Featuring altogether approximately 10.5 carats of fine white round diamonds (F-G color) - Necklace measures approximately 16.5 inches (42cm) in length and its center pendant is approximately 1.2 by 1 inch (3cm by 2.6cm); bracelet measures approximately 6.9 inches (17.5cm) in length and its center section is approximately 1.25 by 1 inch (3.2cm by 2.5cm); clip-on earrings (posts for pierced ears can be added) measure 1in (2.5cm) in length and width - Attributed to Mauboussin Paris and with French hallmarks of the period including maker’s mark for Péry & Fils (well know Mauboussin jewelry...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$425
W 0.4 in L 7.51 in
Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany Sterling Silver Round Tag Link Bracelet Polished
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A classic Tiffany & Co. bracelet in solid sterling silver, featuring the iconic Return to Tiffany round tag. The polished finish and bold link de...
Sterling Silver
$11,880 / item
W 0.75 in L 6.89 in
Annamaria Cammilli "Dune" Bracelet with Diamonds in 18 Karat Orange Gold
By Annamaria Cammilli
Located in SOLVANG, CA
From Annamaria Cammilli's Essential collection, Dune bracelet handcrafted in 18 karat orange gold. Four brilliant white diamonds at 0.23 carat total weight. Two outer curving circles...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Minoan-Inspired Basket Link Bracelet
By Romae Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat Yellow Gold Minoan-Inspired Basket Link Bracelet by ROMAE Jewelry. This stunning bracelet is inspired by a Minoan gold example from the area of Knossos, Crete, dating to aro...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
22 Karat Gold Mycenaean-Inspired Lily Flower Link Bracelet
By Romae Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
22 Karat Yellow Gold Mycenaean-Inspired Lily Flower Link Bracelet by ROMAE Jewelry. Our incredible "Ilithyia" bracelet is inspired by a Mycenaean gold example from the area of Phaistos, in Crete, dating 1400 to 1300 BC. It is made up of small links that are supposed to recall the white lily...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,711 / item
Rock Candy Rainbow Bracelet
By Jennifer House
Located in Chertsey, GB
Indulge your senses with the mesmerizing swirls of rock candy brought to life in a bracelet that is almost good enough to eat! Prepare to adorn your wrist w...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,890
H 7.56 in W 0.43 in Dm 0.43 in L 7.56 in
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Gold Ruby Emerald Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios designer Bracelet is handmade from 18 Karat Yellow Gold and is microscopically decorated with granulation - yellow gold beads and wires. Granulated details contrast w...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sa...
$16,210 / item
W 0.48 in L 6.89 in
Annamaria Cammilli "Dune" Link Bracelet with Diamonds in 18 Karat White Gold
By Annamaria Cammilli
Located in SOLVANG, CA
From Annamaria Cammilli's Essential collection, Dune bracelet handcrafted in 18 karat Ice White gold. Sixteen brilliant white diamonds at 0.62 carat total weight. Eight oval links ar...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$12,470 / item
W 0.75 in L 6.89 in
Annamaria Cammilli "Dune" Bracelet with Diamonds in 18 Karat Ice White Gold
By Annamaria Cammilli
Located in SOLVANG, CA
From Annamaria Cammilli's Essential collection, Dune bracelet handcrafted in 18 karat Ice White gold. Four brilliant white diamonds at 0.23 carat total weight. Two outer curving circ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
22 Karat Gold Hammered Link Bracelet with Platinum Set Old Cut Diamond 0.72cts
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22ct gold hammered handmade link bracelet with platinum set old cut diamond 0.72cts- Handmade in Notting Hill London by British jeweller Malcolm Betts. The individual beauty and lon...
White Diamond, 22k Gold, Platinum
Phoebe Philo for Celine Large ID Gold-Plated Brass Curb Link Bracelet
By Celine
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Phoebe Philo for Celine Large ID Gold-Plated Brass Curb Link Bracelet is an exquisite embodiment of modern elegance and bold design, encapsulating Philo's distinctive approach to...
Celine Paris Vintage Antiquated Gold Metal Chain Link Bracelet
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
Beautiful vintage Celine bracelet in antiquated gold metal. Twist closure. 'Celine Paris' engraved on Internal circumference: 7.25 inches - 18 ...
1970s Celine 18k gold and ebony bracelet
By Celine
Located in London, GB
This bracelet made in 1970s by Celine is a highly wearable piece with interlocking 18k gold and ebony links. The set also has a necklace which is listed separately on 1st Dibs. A pho...
18k Gold
CELINE PARIS Vintage Massive Gold Tone Link Bracelet
By Celine
Located in Nice, FR
CELINE PARIS vintage massive gold tone bracelet featuring four large round openwork links embossed CELINE PARIS. T-bar closure. Embossed CELINE Made in Italy. Indicative measureme...
Gilt Metal
CELINE Vintage Silver Horsebit Bracelet
By Celine
Located in Nice, FR
CELINE vintage silver horsebit bracelet. Secure clasp closure. Embossed CELINE PARIS (partially erased), Made in France and ARGENT 800 (silver 800)...
Silver
1970s Celine Bronzed Metal Coin Necklace and Bracelet Set
By Celine
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1970s Celine bronzed metal necklace and bracelet set. Necklace features coin like medallions linked together to lay across the décolletage, with larger t...
Mixed Metal
Celine Vintage 1991 Iconic Gold Toned Planispheres Bracelet
By Celine
Located in Nice, FR
CELINE vintage 1991 iconic gold toned bracelet featuring planisphere links. Hook clasp closure Embossed CELINE PARIS. Made in Italy 91. Indicative measurements : length approx. 21...
CELINE by Phoebe Philo chunky gold link ID bracelet
By Celine
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Chunky link gold-plated ID bracelet from Celine designed by Phoebe Philo. Size 'M'. Bracelet measures about 1.125"wide by 7.75" long. Made in Italy. Very good condition. Original box...
Gold Plate